For nearly two decades, Julie Turjoman was a knitter who often “tweaked” patterns to meet her personal preferences. About 7 years ago, Julie realized her tweaks were turning more into redesigns that looked nothing like the originals. Now she’s publishing her own patterns, including a new e-book called “Knits that Breathe.”
Haven is one of 12 beautiful designs featured in “Knits that Breathe.” The oversized sweater is knit in Berroco Linsey and features an off-center, zig-zag lace panel on both the front and back. The pattern is worked flat in two pieces, which are then seamed, leaving a slit on either side of the hem. With it’s elegant and flowing style, Haven can be worn as a tunic, a poncho or even a beach cover up!

(photo by Zoë Lonergan)
Why did you choose Berroco Linsey for your project?
My research into lightweight, plant-based fibers led me to Linsey, which is a blend of cotton and linen. This blend gives Linsey such a lovely hand, with just enough crispness from the linen to show off stitch definition, but plenty of next-to-the-skin softness from the cotton.
How did you come up with the design?
Haven was a kind of mind-meld between yarn and design concept. The zig-zag lace pattern is one I’ve had in my “must use this someday” file, so when the yarn arrived I knew I’d found the perfect match. As I sketched and swatched, my only real debate was whether or not to center the lace motif – clearly the off-center placement was the winner.
What do you like best about knitting?
Knitting always takes me to my “happy place,” where I quickly become so engrossed in the design elements that I forget – at least temporarily – anything stressful going on in my life. It’s terrific for me to be able to now share my designs with other knitters in “Knits That Breathe.”

(photo by Zoë Lonergan)
Do you have a cool design you want to share? Or did you recently finish a project with Berroco yarn? You can email Ashley: apalumbo@berroco.com or post it to the Berroco Lovers forum in Ravelry.
Julie has produced a lovely book. I just interviewed her on my blog this past Friday. She has very interesting answers to my questions as well. http://knittingrobin.blogspot.ca/2014/05/an-interview-withjulie-turjoman.html